Neighbourhood know-how, places and people.

Great British Life: Pateley Bridge, delights in every directionPateley Bridge, delights in every direction (Image: Kevin Gibson Photography Ltd)

Location location

Pateley Bridge is full of tranquil charm, friendly character and boasts the accolade of being a past winner of a national 'high street of the year' award. It nestles in the heart of Nidderdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The peace of this beautiful area has provided inspiration for writers and artists alike. There's natural serenity but also the true Yorkshire appeal of a brass band in the town's bandstand enjoyed with a perfect pie in hand from one of the town's acclaimed butchers. There's a definite sense of welcome and pride in the friendly streets and small businesses.

Pateley Bridge's appeal is that it's just a short hop from the 'bustle' of Ripon and Harrogate so you can get your fill of Booths or the White Company as and when needed. Ripon is about 20 minutes away by car and then there's easy access to the A1 north and south. Leeds Bradford airport is 20 miles away.

Great British Life: Pateley BridgePateley Bridge (Image: Kevin Gibson Photography Ltd)

Bag a property

This is the land of the big view, the woodburner, the away-from-it-all dream property. It's a sought-after town with properties quickly snapped up.

You'll find new builds, characterful terraces, doer-uppers and solid farmhouses with plenty of potential - and acres of space.

Great British Life: Pateley Bridge - the heart of NidderdalePateley Bridge - the heart of Nidderdale (Image: Kevin Gibson Photography Ltd)

Explore

Pateley Bridge is the starting and finishing point on the Nidderdale Way, a circular route which covers 53 miles, looping around the stunning scenery of the Nidd Valley. Here you can take in some spectacular landscapes in an area which is renowned for its floral beauty and charm.

There are some real adventures to be had on the doorstep. Brimham Rocks is a place to clamber bizarrely shaped rocks for breath-taking views across Nidderdale. Or go deep, grab a hard hat and explore the caves and caverns of the area at Stump Cross Caverns and How Stean Gorge. Coldstones Cut is a man-made land sculpture cut in to the side of Coldstone limestone quarry, the views are spectacular and on a clear day, you can see all the way to the coast. Check out the town's heritage museum too.

Great British Life: Sweet treatsSweet treats (Image: Kevin Gibson Photography Ltd)

Café & cocktails

Not exactly a cocktail kind of place but certainly a coffee and cake stop-off. You'll find plenty of places satisfy the snacking need or sustain the self-caterers staying in PB. Grab your picnic pie at the Pateley Pie Shop or sweet treats at the famous Oldest Sweet Shop in England. Take time out at Just Delicious award-wining tearoom in the cute King's Court hideaway. Get a fish and chips fix at High Street Fisheries.

On the doorstep are some impressive pubs and fine-dining restaurants, notably The Sportsman's Arms in its impossible pretty setting at Wath-in-Nidderldale or the Michelin-starred Yorke Arms at Ramsgill where Frances Atkins and her team serve up stunning Sunday lunches and tasting menus, as discovered by Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon in The Trip.

Great British Life: Pateley BridgePateley Bridge (Image: Kevin Gibson Photography Ltd)

Retail Therapy

The raft of proud independents gave Pateley Bridge that 'best high street' accolade so you'll find plenty of varied and friendly shops to mooch. King's Court is home to Earnshaw's Herbal Dispensary and the flower-filled Sticks and Stones gallery.

Browse paintings of local scenes by artists at Clare Baxter Fine Art. Find antiques at HSC Arts & Antiques and kit yourself in the right rural gear from brands such as Joules, Aigle and Harris Tweed in the Countrywear store.